Positivity

On a positive slant, the news I received back at the breast clinic is probably the best type. They still feel the lump is “early and treatable”.

It has a name now – ductal invasive carcinoma. It’s so far oestrogen sensitive and they were still awaiting it’s sensitivity to HER2 (human epidermal growth factor 2.) This is a positive thing – it means it will be sensitive to drugs that block oestrogen.

The FNA from the lymph node was clear – which gives me an 80% chance that it hasn’t spread (they will take some nodes away at surgery to hopefully confirm that.)

I have another more detailed mammogram to go through this week to make sure there’s nothing underlying “lumpy”. However, I’ve been consented for a wide local excision (WLE) with lymph node biopsy and hopefully will be scheduled before the end of April.

Radiotherapy will happen. That is standard after a WLE.

Chemotherapy is not yet confirmed, it depends on what they find at operation and whether I’ve a lump that is HER2 sensitive. I will find out the latter detail hopefully on Friday when the specialist nurse rings me after discussion at a multi-disciplinary meeting that happens amongst the surgical, medical and radio oncology teams.

So, there’s more clarity and a direction in which to travel.

Bit by bit I have told ‘my people’. Through this I realise how many important people I have in my life and how much I value them. The overwhelming response to the news has been

“Please if there is anything I/we can do, please ask.”

I’m overwhelmed by the out-pouring of love and support and for that I will be forever thankful.

The anxiety and fear is still there. I am numbed and shocked every day but I’m finding it easier to deal with.

I’ve decided that I am likely to defer my entry to Ironman Copenhagen this year and hopefully be fit to do it next year. If I’m not, it’s no drama but at least deferral gives me a chance to use my entry.

I am still going to train. I’m training for a different battle now. I need to get to the start line of my treatment plan in the best possible shape.

The Kale shakes have continued, the daily 1500mg Turmeric tablets, eating leafy greens at every possible meal and sugar? Sugar of any type can do one.

I’m also off other toxins like alcohol and feeling much better for it. These are the things we can control. Sometimes in a situation where you have no control it makes you feel better to control something. This is what me an R have latched on to. (I/we do have insight.)

The mantra’s I’m using are;

“You got this!”

“Positive mental attitude”

“Go Jenny, Go Jenny, Go, Go, Go!” – that’s what Mum and Dad used to shout when I was competing at swimming competitions.